In a move highlighting Turkey’s growing regional influence, the country’s Ministry of Defence has reportedly entered into a 99-year lease agreement for the Al-Khums port. It is strategically located between the key Libyan cities of Tripoli and Misrata.
This was first unveiled by a tweet from an account named “Turkish Defense and Defense Industries.” The message underscored that the Turkish naval and ground forces would be the primary beneficiaries of this lease.
Contrary to some speculation, the arrangement is explicitly for military use, and is not intended for corporate entities. Further details shared suggest the establishment of a dedicated Turkish military base at the port location.
The tweet also conveyed the strategic aims behind this move, indicating the lease would serve as a deterrent against potential infringements on Turkey’s maritime boundaries, while simultaneously safeguarding the routes of commercial vessels.
However, official Turkish channels have yet to either verify or refute the claims made in the tweet.
Over the past several years, Turkey has emerged as a significant player in the complex political and military landscape of Libya. The roots of Turkey’s interest in Libya can be traced back to a combination of historical ties, economic interests, and geopolitical aspirations.
Libya, with its vast oil reserves and strategic Mediterranean coast, presents numerous economic opportunities. Prior to the 2011 civil conflict, Turkish companies were deeply involved in Libyan infrastructure projects worth billions. As Libya seeks to rebuild, Turkey envisions a return of its businesses and an increased share in the oil and maritime sectors.
Libya offers Turkey strategic depth in the Mediterranean region. In the face of challenges from other regional powers like Egypt and Greece, and the European Union, Turkey saw its alliance with the former Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) as a means to bolster its regional influence and secure its maritime rights, especially after signing a controversial maritime boundary agreement with the GNA in 2019.